The Fairland Dragons proved to be worthy of their #1 seed in the Division 2 Sectional at Southeastern High School, as they walloped Hillsboro 71-39 on Saturday evening.
With a team featuring three 1,000 point career scorers in Kollin Van Horn, Isaiah Howell and Luke Thomas, the Dragons jumped out to a 20-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. They extended that lead to 50-11 by halftime on the strength of eight 3-point baskets, 6 of those by Thomas.
Kendrick Cunningham, Thomas, and Howell combined for 42 of Fairland’s 50 point barrage, with Van Horn adding 4 blocked shots and numerous shot alterations.
Hillsboro’s Caleb Crawford tossed in 7 points in the first half for the Indians. The second half featured the implementation of the new OHSAA rule in tournament basketball, a running or non-stop clock since Fairland lead by more than 30 in the second half.
The Indians managed to keep pace with Fairland in the third quarter as both squads posted 12 points, and outscored the Dragons in a fast paced fourth quarter 16-9 for the final score of 71-39.
Fairland (20-3), was lead in scoring by Thomas who finished with 21 points while Ethan Watson scored 10 second half points to lead the Indians.
Fairland advances to the OU-Convo in Athens on March 1st to face Vinton County in the district semifinal, while Hillsboro concludes their season at (8-16).